Abstract: A hand-operated inflator device for inflating the expander on a balloon-type catheter. It comprises a molded plastic housing for retaining a syringe tube therein for containing an inflation fluid. The housing also includes an internally threaded surface. A syringe plunger having an internal longitudinal bore and a longitudinal slot formed through the wall thereof has a piston mounted on the distal end for insertion into the syringe body. Fitted into the longitudinal slot is an externally threaded member which can be raised and lowered in a radial direction by manipulation of a manuable actuable means positioned in the longitudinal bore of the plunger. When the externally threaded member is raised, its teeth mesh with the teeth on the internally threaded annular surface of the housing, but when lowered, the threaded surfaces are disengaged. When the two are engaged, the piston is advanced in the syringe tube by rotating the plunger.

Abstract: A movable core guidewire assembly comprising a wire wound cylindrical casing having a distal closed end and a proximal open end, a resilient movable core wire extending inside the cylindrical casing between its proximal and distal ends, and a plastic safety cover coextensive with and surrounding the wire wound cylindrical casing. The plastic safety cover functions to retain fragments of a broken guidewire, replacing the interior safety wire used in prior art guidewire assemblies. Therefore, the movable core wire can utilize all the space inside the cylindrical casing to maximize the ability of medical personnel to manipulate the guidewire assembly inside the body. A specific procedure for forming a closed distal tip of the guidewire assembly from an initially open ended casing and safety cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for facilitating the restoration of patency to a blood vessel occluded with an atheroma or other similar lesion or thrombus comprising an outer flexible plastic tubular member having a plurality of ports proximate its distal end and concentrically surrounding an inner flexible plastic tubular member having a cutting loop at its distal end. The distal end portion of the inner tubular member is journaled for rotation in the distal end portion of the outer tubular member. A motor is provided at the proximal end of the catheter assembly for rotatably driving the inner tubular member and the cutting loop thereof while flushing the treatment site and aspirating the flushing liquid, blood and any debris loosened during the procedure.